MONROVIA  Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Legislature have placed transparency, accountability and public trust at the center of preparations for the country’s 2029 Presidential and Legislative  Elections, warning that credible elections must be built long before voters head to the polls.

By  Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusd.rbortuefrontpageafricaonline.com

The call came Wednesday, September 2  during the formal launch of the NEC’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030, where NEC Chairperson  Jonathan K. Weedor and Chairman of the House Committee on Elections and Inauguration, Prof. Thomas Romeo Quioh, stressed the need for an electoral system that is open, inclusive, independently credible and trusted by Liberians.

Launching the five-year strategic roadmap, Weedor said the NEC is determined to ensure that Liberia’s electoral future is defined by integrity rather than uncertainty, with every vote serving as a true reflection of the will of the people.

“We are not merely unveiling a document; we are launching a bold new chapter in Liberia’s democratic evolution,” Weedor stated.

He described the plan as a commitment to strengthening Liberia’s democratic institutions and ensuring that electoral processes remain transparent, credible and worthy of public confidence.

The NEC’s new strategic direction comes against the backdrop of a rapidly changing electoral environment, including the growing influence of digital technology, shifting demographics and increasing demands for transparency in election management.

The NEC Chairman acknowledged that the Commission’s previous strategic cycle achieved important milestones but also exposed weaknesses in technological infrastructure, financial sustainability and institutional capacity.

The new plan, he said, is designed to address those challenges through six strategic pillars covering legal and policy reform, governance and financial sustainability, institutional capacity, technology and digital transformation, stakeholder engagement and inclusion as well as electoral operations.

Transparency as a Measure of Performance

With more than US$75 million expected to be required for implementation over five years, Weedor  pointed out that  the NEC recognizes the level of accountability that must accompany such an investment.

He disclosed that the Commission will establish a Strategic Plan Steering Committee, Pillar Leads and Technical Working Groups, alongside quarterly reviews, annual performance reporting and a risk-mitigation framework.

The objective, he said, is to ensure that the plan does not become another document on a shelf but a measurable roadmap for delivering credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

“We intend to manage this Plan with the discipline and transparency it demands,” Weedor  intimated.

He called on the government, political parties, civil society, the media, development partners and citizens to regard electoral integrity as a shared national responsibility.

Legislature Warns Against Waiting Until 2029

Prof. Thomas Romeo Quioh, meanwhile, said the credibility of Liberia’s democracy cannot be separated from the credibility of its electoral system.

Speaking on behalf of the House of Representatives, Prof. Quioh welcomed the NEC’s strategic plan but urged the Commission to ensure that its commitments translate into measurable action.

He emphasized that legislative oversight of the NEC must promote accountability without undermining the constitutional independence of the electoral body.

“Transparency about achievements, challenges and areas requiring additional support will strengthen public confidence,” Prof. Quioh stated.

He further warned that Liberia cannot afford to wait until 2029 before beginning serious preparations for the next elections.

“The 2029  Presidential and Legislative Elections  cannot begin in 2029,” he declared.

He said voter registration, electoral boundaries, civic and voter education, election technology, security, recruitment and training of electoral personnel, logistics, dispute resolution and accessibility must all be addressed well ahead of the election year.

Technology and Trust

Prof. Quioh also  cautioned  as the NEC moves toward greater use of technology in electoral administration.

While technology can improve efficiency and accessibility, he said it must not become a source of doubt among voters.

He called for electoral technologies to be secure, transparent, independently verifiable and understandable to ordinary Liberians.

At the heart of every technological innovation, he said, must be one question: “Does it strengthen the credibility and confidence of the Liberian voter?”

The two officials also underscored the importance of ensuring that women, young people, persons with disabilities and rural communities are fully included in the electoral process.

Prof. Quioh reminded political parties and other stakeholders that the responsibility for credible elections extends beyond the NEC.

He called on political parties to respect electoral rules, candidates to promote peaceful competition, the media to provide factual information, civil society to strengthen civic education and accountability and security institutions to remain professional and impartial.

As Liberia begins preparations for the 2029 Elections, the NEC’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 is being presented as a roadmap toward a modern, professional, independent and inclusive electoral institution.

But beyond the plans, officials say the ultimate test will be whether Liberians can approach the ballot box with confidence that their votes will be counted fairly and that electoral rules will be applied transparently and impartially.

Monrovia – The National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC – Liberia) will on today, Wednesday, 2 September officially launch its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at strengthening Liberia’s electoral processes and advancing credible, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable elections.  

According to a press release, the launch will take place at 11:00 AM in the JMF Hall at the NEC Headquarters on 9^th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia.

The Strategic Plan represents the Commission’s vision and strategic direction for the next five years, outlining key priorities and interventions intended to enhance electoral administration, institutional effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, public confidence, and the overall integrity of Liberia’s electoral process. Developed with support from the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) through funding from the European Union, the Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, and Ireland, the Plan underscores the NEC’s commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency, inclusion, impartiality, professionalism, confidentiality and independence.

It is intended to provide a clear framework for strengthening institutional capacity while ensuring that electoral processes remain responsive, accessible, credible, and trusted by citizens and stakeholders. The launch will bring together representatives of the Government of Liberia, development partners, political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and other electoral stakeholders.

The NEC invites development partners, electoral stakeholders, members of the media to attend and cover the official launch of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.

‘‘Together, we build public trust in every election — National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC-Liberia),’’ the press release added.

Summary:

• Advocates said Davidetta Browne Lansanah, who stepped down after 12 successful years leading the National Elections Commission in March, showed the positive impact of women’s leadership in Liberia.
• Lansanah joins other examples of women leading with results, from former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to women peacebuilders and those now serving in government.
• The question now, said advocates, is whether Liberians will turn those examples into a political opportunity for more women. Advocates said a bill before the Legislature that would require parties to put women up for 30 percent of seats is the test.
  When Davidetta Browne Lansanah stood down from her role at the helm of the National Elections Commission in March, after 12 years on the job, she carried with her a record that women’s rights advocates said should settle once and for all an old argument in Liberia: women can lead.

By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives

At the Commission, Lansanah worked through 2 presidential elections, disputed results, political pressure, and one of the closest presidential races in Liberia’s recent history when President Joseph Boakai defeated former President George Weah by fewer than 21,000 votes. Advocates said the fact that the country accepted the result and moved on peacefully was a testament to the people’s trust in Lansanah’s leadership.

In an interview with FrontPage Africa/New Narratives, Lansanah said that she should never have been in doubt.
“Females have quality,” Lansanah said. “Females can run any institution. I am a living demonstration of that.”
Lansanah submitted her resignation to President Boakai, choosing to leave one year early to rest because she had worked for 12 years without leave. She was replaced by Jonathan K. Weedor, who served over 16 years as a commissioner and acting co-chairman.
Lansanah was appointed to the Commission during the administration of former President Sirleaf and stayed on under former President Weah and President Boakai. She helped guide the Commission through difficult elections and public pressure. She said she did the work with discipline and commitment.

Advocates said Lansanah’s 12 years at the Commission left a strong legacy. They point to the 2023 election as a serious test not just for the Commission but of Lansanah’s leadership. Political tensions were high. But the process ended without the kind of crisis many Liberians feared.

“She has a record that will live on,” said Malcolm Joseph, chairman of the Elections Coordinating Committee, Liberia’s largest domestic election observer group. “In other countries, that kind of close election could have been resisted and led to something else.”
Lansanah said she is proud of the role she played. But she said her biggest achievement was not only the elections she helped manage. It was also the people she helped build inside the Commission.
She said the technical staff at the Commission is capable, hardworking, and ready to do more with the support they need.
“If you ignore them, you will fail,” she said.

On women’s leadership, Lansanah said the issue is simple: Liberia cannot continue to say women are capable while leaving the political system almost entirely in the hands of men. Her own career, she said, should help answer the question of whether women can handle serious public responsibility.

Her departure comes at a time when Liberia is again debating how much space should be reserved for women in politics. The most recent elections delivered a Legislature where less than 11 percent were women. Electors had few women to vote for because they were nominated for few of the seats.

The House of Representatives has passed an electoral reform bill with one provision that would require political parties to include at least 30 percent women on their candidate lists for legislative elections. It’s modeled on laws in other countries in Africa that have seen significantly higher representation by women. Most countries with fast-growing economies have high representation of women in the legislatures.

But the bill is not yet law. It has been in the Senate since May. It was not passed before the Legislative break as legislators continue to debate elements of the bill.

For many women’s rights advocates, the debate is not only about fairness. It is also about results.

Liberia has already seen women lead at the highest level. Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first woman elected president in Africa. Women also played a major role in pushing for peace during Liberia’s civil war. To date, President Boakai has appointed 8 women to his 20-member cabinet. At a women’s town hall meeting in July 2024, he praised women’s leadership, saying the women he had appointed were “capable and they are performing.” He added, “This is why we need more and more women.”

Experts said Sirleaf’s presidency also gave an example of what women’s leadership could deliver after war. Though critics cite her reluctance to prosecute corrupt officials and failure to implement Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations, her administration secured major debt relief, rebuilt relations with international partners, restored some basic services, and kept the country on a path of peace after years of conflict. In 2011, the international community celebrated her achievements when she shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee and Yemen’s Tawakkol Karman for their work for women’s rights and women’s role in peacebuilding.

But advocates said appointments are not enough.

Cabinet ministers serve at the will of the president. Lawmakers, on the other hand, are elected by the people. They write laws, approve budgets, and represent communities. That is where women remain badly underrepresented.

In the 73-member House of Representatives, only eight lawmakers are women. In the Senate, women hold only three of the 30 seats. That means men still control most of the decisions by the Legislature.

The numbers from the last election show how hard it is for women to even get on the ballot.

In 2023, only 152 of 1,030 candidates for the House of Representatives were women, according to the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa. Only seven women ran for the Senate out of 100 candidates. Only two political parties met the 30 percent target for women candidates.

That is why Lansanah said she spent years calling for a stronger law.

Liberia’s election law already tells political parties to “endeavor to ensure” that at least 30 percent of their candidates are women. But there is no punishment for parties that fail to do so. Women’s groups said that language has allowed parties to promise support for women while still leaving them off their tickets.

The new bill passed by the House is meant to change that. It said political parties should submit candidate lists with at least 30 percent women. Supporters said it could help increase the number of women in the Legislature and give voters more choices.

But the bill has also caused concern.

Women’s groups said the current version still leaves an escape route for political parties. Under the bill, the Electoral Commission may accept a party’s list if the party shows “good cause” that, despite its “best efforts,” it could not meet the 30 percent requirement.

To many advocates, that sounds too much like the old law. They want the Senate to remove the “good cause” and “best efforts” language and require parties that fall short to correct their lists or face consequences.

“That’s not enforceable,” said Representative Ellen Attoh-Wreh, chair of the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia. “If parties can simply convince the Commission they tried, then the quota becomes optional.”

Lansanah said she plans to rest, finish law school, and find another way to serve Liberia. But she said she is not leaving the fight for women’s leadership.

Her message to the country is the same one she carried out of the Commission: Liberia has already seen what women can do when they are trusted with power.

Now, she said, it is time to make room for more of them.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of the Investigating Liberia project. Funding was provided by a private donor and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The donors had no say in the story’s content.

Monrovia — The Center for Advocacy and Civic Engagement (CFAC) has praised the leadership of the National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia, headed by Chairperson Jonathan K. Weedor, for what it describes as significant institutional reforms and visionary leadership aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral management body.

By Patience M. Jones, patience.jones@frontpageafricaonline.com

In a statement issued Tuesday, CFAC said the NEC has made remarkable progress in repositioning the Commission through enhanced professionalism, accountability, transparency, and strategic leadership since the appointment of its new leadership.

The statement, signed by CFAC Executive Director Prince S.D. Marley, Sr., noted that the Commission has demonstrated a renewed commitment to institutional governance, improved stakeholder engagement, and restoring public confidence in one of Liberia’s most critical democratic institutions.

According to the organization, the leadership of Chairperson Weedor and the Board of Commissioners has taken meaningful steps to strengthen the Commission’s institutional capacity while promoting transparency and credibility in Liberia’s electoral process.

“Strong democratic institutions are built on credible leadership, integrity, accountability, and public trust. We believe the current leadership of the National Elections Commission of Liberia has demonstrated a clear commitment to these principles and is taking meaningful steps to strengthen the Commission’s institutional capacity and credibility,” the statement quoted Executive Director Marley as saying.

CFAC observed that the NEC has recorded notable achievements in advancing key institutional reforms, strengthening internal administrative systems, expanding staff capacity development, and fostering constructive engagement with political parties, civil society organizations, electoral stakeholders, and development partners.

The organization believes these initiatives demonstrate a leadership focused on building a resilient institution capable of delivering credible and transparent elections over the long term rather than pursuing short-term objectives.

The civil society organization also applauded the Commission’s continued efforts to promote transparency and inclusiveness through regular stakeholder consultations, public engagements, and improved communication on electoral matters.

According to CFAC, these initiatives are essential for deepening citizens’ trust in Liberia’s electoral system and reinforcing democratic governance.

While recognizing the progress made, the organization emphasized that sustaining these gains will require the NEC to continue upholding the principles of impartiality, professionalism, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

CFAC encouraged the Commission’s leadership to remain committed to implementing reforms that will further enhance its readiness for future electoral processes.

The organization also called on political parties, civil society organizations, development partners, the media, and all Liberians to support ongoing institutional reforms aimed at consolidating democracy and ensuring peaceful, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.

Reaffirming its mandate, CFAC pledged to continue objectively monitoring Liberia’s democratic institutions while recognizing exemplary public service wherever it is demonstrated, irrespective of political affiliation.

The Center for Advocacy and Civic Engagement (CFAC) is a national non-partisan civil society organization dedicated to promoting democratic governance, human rights, civic participation, social justice, and the rule of law through civic education, public awareness, and citizen engagement.

MONROVIA-The Reformers National Congress, RNC, has launched a blistering attack on the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, alleging that ongoing discussions surrounding the possible application of a 2% electoral threshold could be used to shrink Liberia’s political space and sideline opposition parties ahead of future elections.

By Willie N. Tokpah

In a statement titled “They Are Ready to Steal Again,” the opposition party warned that any rigid enforcement of the threshold would undermine democratic participation and erode public confidence in Liberia’s electoral system.

The statement, signed by the party’s Political Leader, Alexander Ndorbor Kollie, accused the Boakai administration of pursuing what it described as a politically motivated agenda aimed at restricting competition rather than strengthening Liberia’s democracy.

“It is evident that the man who has been considered a long-time statesman, President Joseph Boakai, is in fact a dirty politician,” the statement read, alleging that the President is seeking to silence political competitors through changes in the electoral landscape.

The RNC also questioned renewed discussions over the 2% threshold, arguing that the government should instead focus on tackling corruption, reducing the cost of governance and improving the living conditions of ordinary Liberians.

“Of all the legislations that should be put in place to better Liberia, our President and lawmakers are busy stopping Liberians from participating in an election process that should be free from manipulation,” the party stated.

According to the RNC, any interpretation of the election law that excludes political parties from future participation based on the electoral threshold would contradict the democratic principles of inclusiveness, equal participation and fair political competition.

Questions the untimely resignation of Former NEC Chair

The opposition party also revisited the departure of former National Elections Commission Chairperson Davidetta Brown Lansanah, suggesting that her untimely resignation has fueled concerns about the Commission’s independence.

The RNC praised Lansanah’s leadership, describing her tenure as one that produced peaceful, credible and transparent elections, including the historic 2023 presidential election that resulted in the peaceful transfer of power.

Without presenting evidence, the party alleged that Lansanah’s resignation was intended to pave the way for leadership more favorable to the current administration.

The statement further cautioned the current NEC leadership, including Commissioner Barsee Leo Kpangbai Wendor, to remain neutral and avoid interpretations of the election law that could undermine public trust in the Commission.

“The Commission must avoid reopening contentious interpretative debates that risk destabilizing the fragile trust built over successive electoral cycles,” the statement said.

Calls for National Consensus

The RNC argued that any decision regarding the application of the electoral threshold should be preceded by broad national consultation involving political parties, civil society organizations and other key stakeholders.

According to the party, electoral laws should strengthen democracy rather than narrow political participation.

While criticizing the current administration, the RNC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement and pledged to continue advocating for what it called a fair and inclusive electoral process.

“We reaffirm our commitment to peaceful democratic engagement and the advancement of a Liberia where all political voices are treated equitably under the law,” the statement concluded.

Growing Debate

The RNC’s statement comes amid increasing public debate over the interpretation of provisions of Liberia’s New Elections Law relating to the legal status of registered political parties that fail to secure at least two percent of valid votes in national elections.

The issue has generated legal and political discussions over whether the threshold should be strictly enforced and what implications such a decision could have for Liberia’s multiparty democracy.

Neither the National Elections Commission nor the Executive Mansion had publicly responded to the RNC’s allegations as of press time.

MONROVIA – The National Elections Commission (NEC) has concluded the final phase of its nationwide stakeholder consultations on a draft Communications Strategy, Policy and Protocol, describing the exercise as a major step toward strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence in Liberia’s electoral process.

The two-day consultation, held in Monrovia on July 2, brought together approximately 30 participants, including journalists from major media institutions in Montserrado County, senior staff of the NEC Secretariat and representatives of media development organizations. The meeting focused on reviewing and validating the draft communication framework before its formal adoption and implementation.

The consultation marked the conclusion of a broader nationwide engagement process that previously included similar regional meetings in Ganta and Buchanan. Throughout the consultations, participants examined ways to improve the Commission’s communication systems and ensure that electoral information is delivered accurately, consistently and in a timely manner.

The exercise was organized by the NEC in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Liberia Electoral Support Project, with financial support from the European Union, Ireland and Sweden. Organizers said the consultations were intended to provide a platform for constructive dialogue among election administrators, journalists, civil society organizations and development partners on improving electoral communication across Liberia.

Speaking on behalf of NEC Chairperson Jonathan K. Weedor and the Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Ernestine Morgan Awar said effective communication remains one of the most important pillars of credible and peaceful elections.

She emphasized that the Commission is committed to improving its communication systems in order to promote greater transparency, strengthen institutional accountability and increase public confidence in electoral processes.

“The NEC recognizes that effective communication is indispensable to the successful administration of credible, inclusive and peaceful elections. Through timely, accurate and consistent communication, we build public confidence, combat misinformation and disinformation, and ensure that citizens remain informed throughout the electoral process,” Commissioner Awar said.

She described the media as one of the Commission’s most important partners and noted that the NEC is modernizing its communication mechanisms to respond to evolving technologies, changing public expectations and the increasing influence of digital platforms on public discourse.

According to Commissioner Awar, recommendations generated during the consultation will help shape a communication framework that promotes stronger institutional coordination, improves stakeholder engagement and further reinforces public trust in the electoral management body.

Representing the Liberia Electoral Support Project, Roosevelt Zayzay reaffirmed the project’s continued commitment to supporting the NEC’s institutional development, particularly in the area of strategic communication.

He noted that support for strengthening the Commission’s communication capacity began before the 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections and remains an important component of ongoing electoral reforms.

According to Zayzay, the proposed Communications Strategy, Policy and Protocol are designed to help the NEC communicate more proactively and consistently with the Liberian public while improving stakeholder engagement and public access to election-related information.

“The draft Communications Strategy, Policy and Protocol are not merely documents but institutional tools that will help the NEC communicate more proactively and consistently, strengthen stakeholder engagement, improve public access to electoral information, enhance crisis communication and information management, combat misinformation and disinformation, and build public trust in Liberia’s electoral processes,” Zayzay stated.

He encouraged participants to carefully review the draft documents, identify any remaining gaps and propose practical recommendations that would strengthen implementation once the strategy is officially adopted.

Also addressing the consultation, Press Union of Liberia President Julius Kanubah praised the NEC for adopting an inclusive consultation process that brought together journalists, election officials and other stakeholders from different parts of the country.

Kanubah stressed that safeguarding the integrity of elections requires collaboration among all institutions involved in the electoral process.

“The integrity of elections is a shared responsibility of all actors in the electoral process. While the NEC bears the primary responsibility as the electoral management body, achieving credible elections requires meaningful engagement with the media,” he said.

He urged journalists to continue adhering to the highest standards of professionalism by promoting fairness, accuracy, impartiality and responsible reporting throughout electoral processes.

Kanubah also encouraged the NEC to maintain continuous engagement with the media beyond election periods by expanding collaboration on civic education and voter awareness programs across the country.

Participants at the consultation proposed several recommendations aimed at strengthening the Commission’s communication systems. Among the proposals were expanding partnerships with community media institutions, establishing a dedicated election coverage network, improving communication between NEC headquarters and county offices, strengthening civic and voter education campaigns and ensuring that all communication materials remain accessible and inclusive for every segment of the population.

NEC officials said the recommendations gathered from consultations held in Ganta, Buchanan and Monrovia will now be incorporated into the final version of the Communications Strategy, Policy and Protocol.

Following the completion of the consultation process, the Commission is expected to finalize the documents and develop a comprehensive implementation plan to guide their execution as part of broader efforts to strengthen electoral governance and public engagement in Liberia.

The Liberia Electoral Support Project continues to assist national institutions in promoting transparent, inclusive and accountable democratic governance. The project is managed by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with UN Women, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy and the National Elections Commission, with financial support from the European Union, Ireland and Sweden.

MONROVIA –The National Elections Commission (NEC) Chairperson, Cllr. Jonathan K. Weedor, has called for a comprehensive review of Liberia’s electoral laws, warning that significant legal gaps continue to undermine the Commission’s ability to effectively regulate key aspects of the country’s democratic process.

By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway

Cllr. Weedor made the appeal on Wednesday, June 24 when he appeared before the House of Representatives Elections and Inauguration Committee alongside members of the NEC Board of Commissioners at the Capitol Building in Monrovia.

Addressing the lawmakers, the NEC Chairperson revealed that the Commission is finalizing an electoral reform package aimed at addressing long-standing weaknesses identified during previous elections.

He emphasized that while the Legislature holds the constitutional mandate to enact electoral laws, the Commission is responsible only for implementing those laws as passed.

According to Cllr. Weedor, lessons from successive electoral processes have exposed several deficiencies requiring urgent legislative attention to align Liberia’s electoral framework with evolving democratic standards.

He urged lawmakers to undertake a holistic review of the Elections Law instead of making piecemeal amendments, arguing that comprehensive reforms would better address persistent institutional and operational challenges.

Among the areas requiring legislative attention, Cllr. Weedor identified campaign finance regulations, electoral administration procedures, institutional funding, staff retirement benefits, and greater operational independence for the Commission.

Responding to concerns over alleged early political campaigning, the NEC Chairperson admitted to some loopholes, stating for instance, that the existing Elections Law does not expressly provide sanctions for activities occurring before the official candidate nomination process begins.

He noted that individuals engaged in such activities have not formally presented themselves to the Commission as candidates and therefore remain outside the NEC’s immediate regulatory jurisdiction.

According to Cllr. Weedor, campaign regulations become fully enforceable only after candidate nominations have been completed and the Commission officially declares the campaign period.

He clarified that organized rallies, public canvassing, and direct solicitation of votes before the official campaign period are prohibited under existing regulations.

However, Cllr. Weedor explained that activities such as opening party offices, distributing informational materials, and holding internal political meetings generally do not constitute violations of the Elections Law.

The NEC Chairperson stressed that electoral regulations exist to guarantee fairness and prevent elections from being determined primarily by financial strength rather than equal political competition.

The hearing was triggered by a communication submitted to Plenary by Montserrado County Electoral District #3 Representative Sumo K. Mulbah, who raised concerns about alleged premature political campaigning and called for greater legal clarity.

Meanwhile, House Elections Committee Chairman Representative Romeo Quioh welcomed the Commission’s reform proposals and reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to working with the NEC to strengthen Liberia’s electoral integrity, transparency, and public confidence.

The engagement was attended by civil society organizations, including the Liberia Elections Observation Network and the Better Future Foundation.

The National Elections Commission (NEC) has called on journalists and media practitioners to verify all NEC-related information before publication to ensure accuracy and promote responsible reporting.

By D. Franklin Doloquee

Delivering remarks on the opening day of a Bridge Modular Workshop on Media and Elections in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, NEC Communications Director, Titus W. Tokpah Jr., said the Commission remains accessible to both the media and the public.

“Our operations are transparent, not conducted in secrecy,” Tokpah said.

He added that NEC activities are public-driven and that the Commission welcomes questions and requests for clarification.

Tokpah encouraged media professionals and information seekers to contact the NEC whenever they need explanations or confirmation, stressing that open engagement helps prevent the spread of misinformation and builds public trust in the electoral process.

The workshop, which brings together media, stakeholders and election magistrates, aims to strengthen election reporting and communication.

Day-one sessions covered the role of the media in elections, drafting communication strategies, media and democracy, mapping local media institutions and understanding professional codes of conduct.

 Supporting perspective: Why verification matters

Media verification is critical during election periods when misinformation can rapidly influence public opinion and voting behavior.

In Liberia, where elections are a core component of democratic life, accurate reporting helps ensure that voters receive the facts they need to make informed choices.

“Timely and accurate information reduces confusion and increases confidence in the electoral process, ” said one workshop participant, a local editor who asked to remain anonymous.

“When the media does its job responsibly, it supports peace and stability.”

Practical steps and commitments from the workshop

Organizers said the workshop will not only provide theoretical training but also practical tools and commitments that participating journalists and election officials can implement immediately.

Establish direct NEC contact points

The Commission committed to sharing a list of official contacts and preferred channels for press queries to speed up verification.

Fact-checking checklists

Participants received a checklist designed to help reporters verify sources, cross-check statements and time-stamp official documents.

Joint media-NEC briefings

Local election magistrates and NEC communications officers plan to hold regular briefings during the electoral cycle to reduce the chance of misreporting.

Community outreach

Journalists will be encouraged to run explanatory pieces that help voters understand procedures such as voter registration, polling logistics and complaint mechanisms.

Voices from the field

Election magistrates attending the workshop noted that clearer lines of communication with the media can reduce the number of complaints and rumors that reach the NEC after polls.

“When we brief local reporters directly, it shortens the information chain and lowers the risk of distortion,” said one magistrate from Grand Bassa County.

The NEC also reiterated its commitment to transparency in handling complaints and electoral disputes, reminding stakeholders that accountability depends on both institutional openness and responsible reporting by media outlets.

What to expect next

Workshop organizers- the NEC with support from the United Nations Development Program UNDP with funding from the European Union (EU) pledged to continue  with more support toward the media institutions across the country.

Meanwhile, the training concludes on today, Friday, June 19, with a closing session that will outline concrete partnership steps between the NEC, media organizations and election magistrates.

Ganta, Nimba County — The National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC-Liberia) and media practitioners from across the country have renewed their commitment to deepen collaboration aimed at promoting voter education, combating misinformation  and strengthening democratic participation through improved public communication.

By D Franklin Doloquee / Nimba County

The commitment is contained in a Joint Communiqué signed at the close of a three-day Media–Elections Workshop held in Ganta City, Nimba County  from 9–11 June 2026.

The workshop was supported by the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) and funded by the European Union(EU) in Liberia.

Held at the Jackie  Conference Center in the bustling commercial hub of Ganta, Nimba County,  the workshop brought together roughly 35 participants, including NEC Election Magistrates, communications officers and journalists representing print, radio, television and online media.

Over three days of plenary sessions, panels and practical exercises, participants reviewed and provided input into the Commission’s Draft Communications Strategy, Policy and Protocols.

In a communiqué read by journalist both  the NEC  and media representatives acknowledged the critical role of responsible journalism and timely public communication in supporting credible electoral processes.

They emphasized that accurate, accessible information is essential for voters to make informed decisions and for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.

Participants recognized the longstanding partnership between the Commission and the media and agreed that stronger collaboration is necessary to improve public understanding of elections and the NEC’s wider programs.

The communiqué outlines several key resolutions:

Strengthen cooperation to ensure the timely, accurate and accessible dissemination of information about electoral processes and civic engagement initiatives.

Increase media coverage of NEC programs, activities, policies, voter education campaigns and electoral reform initiatives to raise public awareness and encourage citizen participation.

Enhance the  NEC’s  regular provision of updates, data and resource materials to media houses to support accurate, balanced and professional reporting.

Jointly combat misinformation, disinformation and fake news through coordinated monitoring, rapid response mechanisms and public fact-checking initiatives.

Speakers at the closing session framed these commitments as practical steps to protect the integrity of upcoming polls and to nurture a more informed electorate.

National Election commission (NEC)  Executive Director Anthony Sengbe, in his remarks, welcomed the media’s pledge to deepen coverage of electoral activities and said the Commission would use the strengthened partnership to broaden public engagement.

He noted that clearer, faster communication would help reduce confusion and speculation during congested phases of the electoral calendar.

James Kpargoi, Communications Specialist for the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project, reiterated LESP’s continued technical and logistical support for the NEC’s communication efforts.

Malcolm Joseph, Executive Director of the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), described the initiative as a significant step toward enhancing public communication and strengthening relations between the NEC and media practitioners.

Practical sessions at the workshop included short simulations of press briefings, hands-on training in message-framing for voter education and a module on identifying and countering misinformation online and on traditional platforms.

Participants practiced drafting quick, verifiable statements and learned procedures for requesting official NEC data steps designed to accelerate accurate reporting during the run-up to elections.

At the conclusion of the workshop, certificates were presented to participants by NEC officials and partners, recognizing their participation and readiness to apply the new protocols in their work.

The Ganta workshop forms part of the NEC’s broader effort supported by development partners to strengthen media engagement, improve public communication and enhance the transparency and credibility of Liberia’s electoral processes.

Organizers said follow-up activities will include regional briefings, distribution of communication toolkits to media houses, and a planned media-NEC liaison network to fast-track information sharing.

The Government of Liberia(GoL), through the Ministry of Labour,  will on today,  Friday, June 12  join other countries around the world to commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL).

ILO Member States  on June 12 every year commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour as a commitment towards the fight Against child labour.

According to a Labour Ministry Press Release, the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour (June 12) focuses on strengthening global action to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 8.7, aiming to eliminate child labour in all its forms.

It is heavily aligned with accelerating progress following the Durban Call to Action, with particular emphasis on addressing child labour in agriculture and supporting the outcomes of the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour.

In addition. this observance is in adherence to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions No. 138 (Minimum Age Convention, 1973) and No. 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999), which promote the elimination of child labour and call for children’s protection from hazardous and exploitative work.

To commemorate the day, the Ministry in collaboration with key child protection stakeholders will implement community outreach meetings in Montserrado County to sensitize the general public  on the dangers of child labour .  

The Global Theme for this year’s WDACL is “Let’s Act on our Commitments: End Child Labour”., while the National Theme is “Coordinating Efforts and Upholding Commitments to end Child Labour in Liberia”

Members of the Liberian Senate have unanimously voted to confirm Jonathan Weedor as chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC).

By Obediah Johnson

The Senate took the decision during regular session on Tuesday,  June 9, following the submission of a report from its committee on Autonomous Commissions and Agencies.

Weedor was nominated by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on March 30, this year to replace madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah, who resigned from the position.

He previously served as Co-Chair and acting commissioner of the NEC during the administration of former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Manneh Weah.

At his confirm hearing on May 28, Weedor vowed to deny political parties which performed poorly in the 2023 presidential and legislative elections from contesting pending elections.

He pointed out that the new elections law of Liberia prohibits political parties, especially presidential candidates that dismally performed past elections, from contesting future elections.

“We will uphold that to the fullest in consistent with the law.”

Trucking

Weedor disclosed that the trucking of electorates from one district or county to another by those vying for elected positions in Liberia, remains an issue of serious concern to the NEC.

He expressed the hope that voter registration process would address the long standing issue of trucking which regularly characterized Liberian elections.

“Trucking is an issue of concern to the commission because we do not believe that individuals should live in Monrovia and decide who is a Representative in Rivercess or Grand Bassa. So, we intend to use the voter registration process to address ourselves to this issue.”

He stressed that the commission would ensure that people “register and vote to where they come from.”

He said the commission would put in place measures to ensure this is attainable.

Not a member of UP

Weedor came under intense pressure from some opposition political parties, including the Congress for Democratic Change  (CDC) and critics following his appointment by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

Opposition politicians accused him of playing a key role for the elections of President Boakai to the presidency in 2023. He was also accused of being a stalwart of the governing Unity Party (UP).

But Weedor denied holding membership with the UP or any other political parties In Liberia.

When quizzed whether he would conduct credible elections despite his role played during the 2023 elections, Weedor said “I will preside over credible elections.”

A Contract

He clarified that his association with the UP Alliance during elections was based on a “profession contract.”

Weedor recalled that in 2022, he was out of Liberia working on a research project in South Sahara Africa when he received a call from former NEC Chair James Fromayan to form part of a project.

“I am not a member of the Unity Party and I have never been a member. We had gone there by a contract under the Center for Development and Elections Management of which Honorable James Fromoyan was the Director General and I was Deputy for Administration. I am not a member of any political party in Liberia.”

He indicated that he did not campaign for votes for the UP during the elections, but only provided his expertise on the provision of statistics based on his own analysis.

Weedor, however, admitted to being the Chairman of the Liberia National Union (LINU) prior to his appointment to the NEC.

He disclosed that though LINU is still in existence, he tendered in his resignation in 2004, before being appointed at the NEC by the transitional government at the time.

He denied signing documents as the current acting Chair of the NEC.

Weedor was appointed to act in the position by President Boakai following the resignation of NEC Chair Davidetta Brown Lassana.

On threshold

Weedor observed that the National Legislature has the authority by law to set threshold for the conduct of elections, while the NEC has a mandate to apportion electoral boundaries , using the threshold set aside by the legislature.

He maintained that it is unlawful for lawmakers to set aside electoral seats per country.

He vowed to remind lawmakers on the existing law which empowers the NEC to allocate electoral seats in the counties to prevent misunderstanding in the future.

“I will advise the legislature that it is against the law ( to set aside seats per county). It is not the legislature role to apportion seats. It is the legislature role by law to set threshold. I have the courage (to say no to the legislature) for setting seats.”

Diaspora Liberians

Weedor disclosed that the involvement of diaspora Liberians to participate in elections has been an issue under discussion at the commission.

He said several variables, including the total number of Liberians bearing passports outside of the country, remain a cardinal issue on diaspora citizens participation in Liberian elections.

He stated that the commission would study whether or not it has the capacity to address the issue.

“The law says that only Liberian should vote in a Liberian elections. If the tracking mechanisms are there and whether our passports are in the hands of Liberians.”

Weedor stressed that the involvement of diaspora Liberians to participate in the elections would require the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including security the security institutions especially the National Security Agency and the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS).

He pledged to work with the relevant committees at the legislature and other stakeholders to address the situation.

He observed that the proliferation of political parties in Liberia is making it very difficult to attract donor supports to these political institutions.

Currently, there are about 42 political parties in Liberia, while eight others have been proposed.